Letter: Not watching pro football til protests stop

It is again disheartening to see football players taking a knee or raising a fist during the playing of our National Anthem. I am not against anyone wishing to express his/her views on issues; however, there is a proper time and place. I am not saying that there has not been abuses. To the contrary, whoever does abuse their police power must be brought to justice and bear responsibility for their actions.

However, less anyone forget, Colin Kaepernick was allowed to wear socks depicting police as "pigs" while the National Football League would fine anyone for altering their work uniform to honor the military or those who put their lives in danger every day for our safety. As well, this demonstration cannot be based on Ferguson where it was proven that Mr. Brown held up a shopkeeper, did assault the policeman, and did not put his hands up nor kneel down. That policeman was exonerated by the Department of Justice; however, he is still bearing the heavy burden of being falsely accused.

The very flag and anthem football players are disrespecting is the reason they are permitted to express their views without fear of being shot or thrown into prison as is the case in many countries around the world. Many have died for this freedom. Doing this on the playing field is doing this while "on the job" at their place of employment. These professionals who earn more money than most of the general public are doing this in front of the very people who are paying their salary. These are the very same people who have paid a premium price to be in those stadiums to watch a football game. The "game" as we all know is not a game but a "business." They are in effect "on the job" on the field and not on their own time. Again, on their own time they have every right as a citizen to express their views.

Until these high salaried individuals stop disrespecting the flag and this country where they enjoy so much freedom and appreciate how fortunate they truly are, I do not intend to watch professional football. I hope many of you will join me.